This week, Samantha Armytage wrapped up her latest stint co-hosting Today, alongside Nine News Melbourne presenter Tom Steinfort.
While Sam’s time behind the Today desk was brief, it’s left fans wondering whether she might make a more permanent return to breakfast TV.
However, sources close to Sam claim the 49-year-old has been turned off the idea by the constant criticism she received while sitting in the co-host seat.
“Sam had a blast co-hosting Today, but her stint was always only temporary,” an industry insider spills.
“While plenty of viewers hoped she might take over the gig permanently, Sam isn’t sure she wants to return to breakfast television full-time.”
The insider said Sam even resorted to posting to her Instagram Stories to encourage her followers to tune in but even that wasn’t enough to turn the tide.
“Having spent years co-hosting the ratings success that was Sunrise, stepping into the Today hot seat at a particularly challenging point for the program was always going to be something of a shock to the system,” they explained.
“The constant criticism and scrutiny was certainly not something Sam was used to — or particularly enjoyed.”
What’s next for Sam Armytage after Today stint?
The industry chatter about Today’s future, and whether it can regain its former momentum after the exit of both Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo, has also added to Sam’s uncertainty.
“For Sam, that could well have her weighing up whether a return to breakfast TV is really worth it,” the insider explains.
While speculation around the former Farmer Wants A Wife host’s future continues, she’s certainly not short of options.
“She remains a highly recognisable television talent and, according to industry whispers, there’s no shortage of interest in what she might do next,” one insider dished.
“With her Today stint now wrapped, she has the luxury of being selective about where she goes from here.
“There’s also a feeling within the industry that Sam’s experience, profile and ability to connect with an audience could make her an attractive proposition for networks looking to shake things up.”
Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo co-hosted Today for three years until Karl left Nine with immediate effect on June 25, after interviewing controversial British right-wing figure Tommy Robinson on his podcast.
Just three weeks later, Sarah stepped away from the show a few weeks earlier than expected when her doctors advised that she start maternity leave early.
Since then, the Today desk has been manned by a variety of Channel Nine news and television personalities as the network scrambles to find their new permanent co-hosts.
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Share this post